Summary+of+Discussions


 * __ Summary of Blog and Wiki Discussions __**

After reading the responses to the questions posed in both the blog and the wiki associated with the issue of standardized testing with regards to special education students, a single theme seemed to prevail. It became apparent that those who responded believed that the standardized tests administered to special education students, specifically the SOL tests, are not always an effective method of assessment. Numerous reasons were given to support their decisions including, inability of the test to adequately measure progress, length of the test, and the massive amount of information being assessed. Although it seemed that most also agreed that the SOL tests were, in fact, appropriate for some special education students, it was quite clear that alternative methods of testing should be offered for some students. Nearly all agreed that assessments for most special education students should be based upon a growth model in which progress and gains could be measured more effectively.

EDEL 635 Donna Stowe